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Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Wendy Owens Visits!

I am very happy to welcome Wendy Owens as part of her current blog tour, and so excited to share some info on Wendy's wonderful books! Please help me spread the love. I'm highlighting a couple of the books today, but be sure to check out her links, because the series extends beyond these two.

Tragedy has defined Gabe's short existence in this
world. An ominous darkness lurked on the edge of his existence until one day in
a subway, strange things start happening. A series of events lead Gabe into a
new and fascinating life filled with angels and demons, but he isn't sure if he
wants to be a part of it.

Gabe is thrust into the middle of this exciting world
that is full of things he has longed for in his life but it comes with a price.
This new life also promises constant terrifying dangers that Gabe fears he may
not be able to survive.

Some people are born into love,
some people are born into war, when Gabe discovered he was a Guardian Angel,
his life was suddenly thrust into both. If this hidden war wasn't enough to
deal with, Gabe learns he is fated to be the great protector who will one day
deliver the last prophet to either safety or death. All of these revelations
didn't matter for Gabe, he only cared that his new life included Sophie.

Sophie and Gabe grew closer over
the summer. She is now a fixture in his life that keeps him moving forward.
Evil doesn't stop stalking him just because he found happiness. This time
darkness finds it's way into Rampart manor and Gabe will have to decide if he
is willing to risk everything to try and stop it.

Excerpt #1

Gabe’s stomach twisted, each knot tighter and more agonizing than
the last. He wiped his sweat-soaked hands on the legs of his jeans and searched
the nearby crowd for a familiar face. He imagined that if he could just catch a
glimpse of Sophie, everything would be all right. Unfortunately, Sophie was
nowhere to be found. Gabe felt hopeless.

The roar of the crowd began to grow. He heard them harmoniously
stomping their feet in a rhythm that cried out for battle. Gabe glanced across
the arena to several cages that were shielded by large cloaks. Whatever was
inside was clearly becoming agitated by the noise of the crowd. The captive
creatures began beating against the bars. Random secret shrieks and growls came
from their general area.

“Rampart Manor!” Gabe heard Uri’s magically amplified voice shout
over the thunderous group. “Let’s be honest, we all know the reason why we’re
gathered here today. Yes, yes, of course we want to support our dear friend,
Gabe. But, let’s get real for a minute. Day in and day out we learn and train
and grow as Guardians. We do as we’re told and follow the rules. We all work
hard. Now it’s our turn to watch some demons tremble in fear! It’s our turn to
watch the hunters become the hunted. Who’s ready to see some fighting? Better
yet, who wants to see what our great protector is made of?”

The crowd erupted into a frenzy at Uri’s words.

The past summer had been full of blood, sweat, and tears for Gabe,
but it was also an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything. He had grown
close to Sophie and all of his new friends. Uri had even become what Gabe would
call his best friend; something he hadn’t had in his previous life. As
appreciative as he had grown of Uri’s humor, right now, in this arena, was one
of those moments he wished Uri was able to contain himself.

Gabe had felt somewhat confident about his tests when he awoke
that morning. He had spent every free moment studying and practicing for this
all summer,though it didn’t take long before he realized what Uri had done.
After the tenth or so person wished him luck and expressed how much they were
looking forward to seeing him in action, he knew Uri had decided to make this
day into a big event for the entire manor, even though Gabe wasn’t comfortable
being a spectacle.

Gabe’s confidence quickly disintegrated into rage, conjuring
visions in his head of strangling his dear friend Uri for inviting a crowd to
watch his tests. It was hard enough for him to concentrate alone in complete
silence knowing what was at stake. He wasn’t sure how he would be able to do
anything with a hundred of his future classmates looking on. Gabe knew that
failing today wouldn’t only let down everyone who helped him, but could also
have his mentor, Michael, questioning if he had made a mistake in choosing
Gabe.

“Get over here, Gabe,” Uri motioned to his friend to join him in
the circle. He reluctantly walked to his side. Uri grabbed his hand and raised
it high into the air in a triumphant motion. “Are you ready to kick some demon
tail, my friend?”

Gabe glanced over his shoulder at the rattling cages and could
only feign a smile for a short moment. As he looked back to the crowd, he saw
Michael standing off to the side with an expressionless face, his arms crossed,
watching intensely as the scene unfolded. For a moment, he thought Michael may
step in and stop the side show antics. When Michael just continued to watch,
Gabe knew he was on his own.

“So everyone knows the rules …” Uri shouted. “Oh yeah, that’s
right, there are no rules! Gabe can showcase anything and everything he has
learned to stay alive!”

“I think you’re exaggerating a bit, don’t you?” Gabe mumbled under
his breath to Uri. He was sure Michael wouldn’t let him die in these tests. At
least, he thought he was sure. Gabe quickly looked at Michael again for some
reassurance. He still displayed no change in expression or stance.

“Don’t worry,” Uri continued. “We’ll all be safe. There’s a
protection spell on the arena so the demons won’t be able to escape. Just you
and them!” Uri patted Gabe on the back heavily. Then he turned and scurried out
of the arena. Uri’s words made Gabe even more anxious as he stumbled forward.

Gabe turned slowly, his hands feeling like two large boulders
hanging from his sides. He watched in horror as Uri and two other men pulled
the draping from the three cages.

Author Bio:

Wendy Owens was raised in the small college town
of Oxford, Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went on to a career in
the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork,
she gave her first love, writing, a try.

Since 2011, she has published a young adult
paranormal series, The Guardians, which will contain five books total, as well
as a novella.

Wendy now happily spends her days writing—her
loving dachshund, Piper, curled up at her feet. When she's not writing, she can
be found spending time with her tech geek husband and their three amazing kids,
exploring the city she loves to call home: Cincinnati, OH.